SENATE STRENGTHENS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Measure protects workers injured on the job through no fault of their own

AUGUSTA–Today, in a 18-16 vote the Senate voted to strengthen workers’ compensation insurance benefits for workers who were injured on the job through no fault of their own.

“Injured workers have already been dealt a bad hand,” said Senator Jackson. “They need to be able to focus on their health and not worry about when they’re going to lose the only benefits they have left.”

Last session, the Republican-controlled Legislature amended the 1992 Maine’s Workers’ Compensation Act.  Along with a number of changes, the new law altered the process and requirements by which injured workers receive benefits beyond the established 10-year threshold.

While the new law allows injured workers with 18 percent impairment to continue receiving benefits beyond the 10-year cap, an independent medical examiner must verify that the employee’s actual earnings are in line with their earning potential.  This however remains difficult to ascertain.  There are many instances where injuries may be considered only 5 percent or 10 percent impairment, but still have the practical impact of significantly hindering a worker’s ability to do the job.

“To some, injured workers are disposable commodities. They’re just a statistic,” said Senator John Patrick (D-Rumford), who is a co-sponsor of the bill and the Senate chair of the Labor Committee. “These are some of the most vulnerable people in the state and they were completely thrown under the bus. We can do better. This is Maine. We don’t turn our backs on our workers.”

Senator Jackson’s bill repeals the provisions enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature last session.

“I have seven employees who work for me, and I strongly support improved workers comp for my employees,” said Senator Jim Boyle, D-Gorham, a small business owner. “Most of the other decisions about my business are mine: I decided who is hired, who is fired, whether we have health insurance. Workers’ comp is not up to me. It is a protection for the men and women who work for my business. People need this protection. It is fair, and uniform, and I strongly support it.”

The bill, LD 443, “An Act To Amend the Maine Workers’ Compensation Act of 1992 To Provide Benefits to Seriously Injured Workers,” faces more votes in the Senate and the house.

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